Bangkok: Ekaniti has confirmed that the budget reduction of 11,162 million baht is in line with the current situation. The House of Representatives began debating the 70-baht budget in its second reading on the first day. Ekniti affirmed that the budget reduction is practical and offers good value for money, aiming to maximize benefits for the country and its people.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, in his capacity as chairman of the committee, reported the results of the deliberations. The committee reviewed the details of 3,286 budget-receiving units, focusing on addressing public hardship, enhancing competitiveness, and coping with economic fluctuations. Emphasis was placed on good governance, integrity, transparency, and fairness to ensure the best interests of the nation and its people.
Furthermore, important proposals for the government to address the economic situation in the fiscal year 2027, given the high level of uncertainty, include finding ways to manage the risks of various projects arising from conflicts in the Middle East. The proposals also focus on managing public debt to reduce it in the long term to preserve fiscal space in case of an economic crisis, and reviewing agencies that are no longer necessary or have duplicative responsibilities to reduce the burden on the government budget.
For the 2027 budget draft, the committee reduced the total budget by 11,162 million baht, considering necessity, cost-effectiveness, readiness for disbursement, and actual performance. This includes items that are delayed, inconsistent with the current situation, projects that can be postponed, and projects that can be canceled or funded from other sources. Meanwhile, budget increases will only be considered for necessary and appropriate items, with explanations to members provided.